How to Tile: Prepare Concrete for Tile
Updated: Jan. 10, 2023Turnaround tips for an old basement floor
Removing old vinyl tile and patching concrete cracks
Photo 1: Scrape off tiles and adhesive
Scrape off as much of the adhesive residue as possible with a razor scraper. If any leftover adhesive is sticky, loosen it with a chemical adhesive remover.
Photo 2: Prime cracks
Vacuum the area around cracks and apply a “peel-and-stick” primer with a roller or paint pad.
Photo 3: Isolate cracks
Apply a layer of crack isolation membrane over cracks to prevent cracks from appearing later in the overlying tile.
Want to upgrade an aging basement floor to ceramic tile? Popping off old vinyl tile is fairly easy— just use a heavy scraper and elbow grease. Then attack the adhesive with a razor scraper (Photo 1). Scrape up as much adhesive as possible, keeping the blade sharp with a sharpening stone as you go. If the adhesive is hard and brittle, use a chopping motion to break it up. Then scrape again. Even then, some of that old adhesive may be impossible to remove. If you can’t get it all off, don’t worry. Newer latex-modified thin-set can be applied right over the small amount that remains.
After you scrape off the adhesive, touch the floor to see if there are any sticky areas. Use a chemical adhesive remover on those parts. Find one in the flooring department at home centers.
Next, locate all the cracks. You’ll have to prime those areas and cover them with a peel-and-stick crack prevention mat (also called anti-fracture or crack isolation membrane; Photo 3) before you lay the new tile. Skip this step and we guarantee your new tile will crack right over the cracks in the concrete.
Cut the membrane so it’s 1-1/2 times the width of your tiles. Then prime the concrete (see Photo 2) with the recommended solution (consult the membrane manufacturer’s literature). Let the primer dry, and then apply the membrane (Photos 3 and 4).
With the cracks patched, apply a latex-modified, crack-resistant thin-set. Then move on to the fun part, the tile setting (see Photo 5). Scrapers, thinset and crack prevention mats are sold at home centers and tile stores.
CAUTION!
Most floor tiles made from the 1920s to the 1960s contain asbestos and require special procedures for removal. If you’re unsure about yours, remove a tile (make sure you have all the necessary tile removing tools before you get started). and send it to a local asbestos abatement firm for testing. If it tests positive, follow these asbestos abatement procedures. Seal off the area with poly sheeting. Wear an asbestos-rated respirator. Change clothes before moving into a “clean” area. Clean the entire room with a damp cloth before removing the sheeting. Follow your local environmental codes for disposal.
For more information, search the Internet for “removing asbestos tiles.”
Required Tools for this Project
Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
- Knee pads
- Notched trowel
- Paint roller
- Paint scraper
- Roller tray
- Shop vacuum
- Utility knife
Required Materials for this Project
Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.
- Chemical adhesive remover
- Peel-and-stick crack prevention mat
- Peel-and-stick primer
- Thin-set mortar
